Midfielder Pereira knows United have to
Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira has labelled today’s Premier League clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford as a must-win game.
United have lost seven of their last nine fixtures in all competitions, including four of their previous six league matches.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side trail Chelsea, who occupy the final Champions League berth, by three points with three games remaining and Pereira insists there can be no more slip-ups.
“It’s a must-win,” Pereira said. “We have to show we want the top four and, in these games, we have to show our level and show we are worthy to be in the Champions League.
“We want to do everything we can to get into the top four. We have to take each game on its own and get the three points.
“We have to stick together as a team and work together and try to get the three points in each game.”
Belgium-born Brazilian Pereira arrived at the club’s academy from PSV Eindhoven on his 16th birthday and has made the breakthrough into United’s first team this season.
The 23-year-old has made a total of 33 senior appearances for United, with 14 of those coming after Solskjaer took charge in December, while his first goal for the club, in the home win against Southampton, won the club’s goal of the month for March.
“I’ve learnt so much. Overall, for me, it’s been a special season,” Pereira said.
“I got my first start, scored my first Premier League goal and played in my first derby, although the result was disappointing. I feel like I have got better on a lot of things and the manager and the staff have helped with me with everything.
“I’m so grateful to him (Solskjaer) that he puts his trust in me, and I just want to show on the pitch that he can trust me in every game. I want to play and do well for the team.”
Fellow midfielder Paul Pogba’s inclusion in the PFA’S Premier League Team of the Year this week has sparked much debate, but Pereira has no doubts about the France international’s worth to the team. He added: “Paul is a world-class player, everyone